James Tedesco signs contract extension with Sydney Roosters | NRL Market Watch

James Tedesco’s contract extension has given the Sydney Roosters stability amid a mass player exodus, with the champion captain guaranteed to retire wearing the famous red, white and blue.

It’s Teddy time.

Star fullback James Tedesco will be a Sydney Rooster until the end of 2026.

This masthead can reveal Tedesco, who was under contract until the end of next year, has now extended for a further season.

The development all but guarantees Tedesco will retire wearing the famous red, white and blue.

Tedesco’s retention gives the Roosters stability at a time when five keys players — Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke Keary, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Terrell May and Joey Manu — have left the club.

The Roosters will also be without Sam Walker and Brandon Smith for a considerable chunk of next season as they both recover from serious knee injuries.

The retention of Tedesco was vital given the leadership gaps left by Keary and Waerea-Hargreaves.

James Tedesco has signed a one-year extension. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Tedesco, who turns 32 in January, enjoyed an impressive 2024 campaign off the back of a surgery-free, injury-free pre-season preparation.

“He’ll start almost exactly the same time (as last year) a few weeks before Christmas,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson said.

“I think we saw the physical state he was in then, and he’s as focused and as driven as ever.”

Tedesco’s current deal is worth around $1.1 million a season and it’s understood his latest contract extension ensures he will remain one of the club’s highest-paid players.

He had technically been a free agent since November 1 but had no intentions of leaving the Roosters, whom he joined from Wests Tigers in 2018.

Tedesco lost his NSW Origin and Australian Test jumpers this season to Penrith’s Dylan Edwards.

However, that allowed him to play 25 games for the Roosters. With 251 NRL appearances to his name already, Tedesco should join the elite 300-game club in 2026, barring injury and if the Roosters make the finals.

One of the greatest fullbacks of the modern era, Tedesco said he felt mentally and physically fresh this year and wanted to play on.

Tedesco also revealed speaking with Robinson about a shock positional switch.

James Tedesco will finish his NRL career at Sydney Roosters. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“I’ve chatted to ‘Robbo’ maybe last year, I said I was willing to play in the halves or five-eighth but I don’t think it’s going to happen,” Tedesco said.

The Roosters have been dismissed in premiership discussions after losing the five players.

The TAB has the Roosters paying $15 to win the 2025 premiership alongside Manly. The two sides sit on the fourth line of betting.

The Roosters are paying $26 for most losses next season.

Originally published as James Tedesco signs contract extension with Sydney Roosters | NRL Market Watch